Scaffold Loading and Delivery Systems

ABSTRACT

This disclosure pertains, inter alia, to scaffold loading and delivery devices, assemblies, systems and methods of using the same.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/273,188 filed Dec. 30, 2015 and entitled Scaffold Loading and Delivery Systems which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure pertains, inter alia, to scaffold loading and delivery devices, assemblies, systems and methods of using the same.

BACKGROUND

A variety of medical conditions are treatable by the implantation of expandable devices into natural body lumens. For example, it is commonplace to implant stents into the vasculature of diseased patients to mitigate the risks associated with vessel stenosis. Other examples of conventional tubular medical implants include woven grafts and stent-grafts that are used to span vascular aneurysms, expandable devices that are used to bypass strictures in the ureter and urethra, and stents that are used in the peripheral vasculature, prostate, sinus, airways, and esophagus, among others.

While biostable and biodegradable polymeric stents have been proposed to address the limitations of metallic stents, including potential issues with thrombosis, chronic injury, and vascular remodeling, their use has been limited by the fact that polymeric stents may undergo stress relaxation if left in a crimped delivery configuration for an extended period of time, such as during shipping and storage.

There is a continuing need for devices and systems that offer the possibility of loading polymeric tubular implants into a delivery system by a healthcare professional just prior to implantation, thereby avoiding the possibility that the implant undergo stress relaxation during shipping and/or storage in a loaded or crimped configuration.

SUMMARY

In various aspects, the present disclosure provides a loading system that includes (a) a delivery catheter, (b) a loading assembly that includes (i) a funnel assembly that includes a tapered funnel structure, and optionally, a pin lift, a clamp and/or a body portion and (ii) a loading aid assembly that includes a receptacle, a plurality of loading pins and, optionally, a self-expanding scaffold. When a self-expanding scaffold is provided within the loading aid assembly, the self-expanding scaffold may be held within the receptacle via the loading pins and may be used to longitudinally guide the self-expanding scaffold into the tapered funnel structure of the funnel assembly, which provides a funnel shape for crimping the scaffold. In various embodiments, the optional clamp may be used to secure the funnel assembly to the delivery catheter and/or the optional pin lift may be used to retract the loading pins from the scaffold. In various embodiments, the optional body portion may be used to maintain the clamp, tapered funnel and pin lift in a single structure.

In various aspects, the present disclosure provides a loading assembly that comprises: (a) a funnel assembly comprising a tapered funnel structure having a distal end and a proximal end and comprising (i) a loading lumen having a loading axis, an open distal end, an open proximal end, and at least one tapered region having a distal end with a first diameter and a proximal end with a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter and (ii) a slotted wall surrounding the loading lumen that has a plurality of longitudinal slots formed therein, the slots having an open distal end; and (b) a loading aid assembly comprising (i) a receptacle comprising a receptacle wall, a receptacle lumen having a least one open receptacle lumen end and a receptacle axis, (ii) a scaffold comprising a scaffold wall and having a scaffold axis, a proximal scaffold end, a distal scaffold end, an inner luminal surface and an outer abluminal surface, (iii) a plurality of loading pins comprising loading pin shafts that extend from the receptacle wall, into the receptacle lumen and through the scaffold wall, the pins holding the scaffold within the receptacle lumen in a position in which the scaffold axis is coaxial with the receptacle axis. The loading aid assembly is configured to receive the distal end of the tapered funnel structure within the receptacle lumen via the open receptacle lumen end, such that the scaffold is at least partially positioned in the loading lumen, such that at least a portion of the tapered funnel structure wall is positioned between the outer abluminal surface of the stent and the inner luminal surface of the receptacle wall, such that the loading pins are positioned within the longitudinal slots of the tapered funnel structure, and such that longitudinal movement of the loading aid assembly in a proximal direction relative to the funnel assembly results in proximal longitudinal movement of the loading pins within the slots of the tapered funnel structure and proximal longitudinal movement of at least the proximal scaffold end into the tapered region thereby reducing at least a portion of the diameter of the same.

In various embodiments, which may be used in conjunction with any of the preceding aspects and embodiments, the loading pins may comprise (a) a loading pin shaft that extends through an aperture in the receptacle wall and into the receptacle lumen and (b) an enlarged portion positioned on a side of the receptacle wall opposite the receptacle lumen, the enlarged portion having a width that is greater than a width of the aperture. In certain of these embodiments, the receptacle may comprise first and second walls separated by a gap and wherein the enlarged portions of the pins are positioned in the gap between the walls.

In various embodiments, which may be used in conjunction with any of the preceding aspects and embodiments, the loading aid assembly may further comprise springs that bias the loading pins toward the receptacle axis.

In various embodiments, which may be used in conjunction with any of the preceding aspects and embodiments, the loading assembly may comprise a stop that limits the proximal longitudinal movement of the loading pin shafts within the slots of the tapered funnel structure. In certain of these embodiments, removal of the loading pin shafts from the scaffold wall and the slots allows additional longitudinal movement of the loading aid assembly in a proximal direction relative to the funnel assembly, in which case the receptacle may be configured to compress and close the slots of the tapered funnel structure upon the additional longitudinal movement, if desired.

In various embodiments, which may be used in conjunction with any of the preceding aspects and embodiments, the loading assembly may comprise a pin lift having a radially tapered surface, such that relative longitudinal movement between the radially tapered surface of the pin lift and the loading pins may engage the loading pins and move the loading pins radially away from the receptacle axis. In certain of these embodiments, the pin lift may be part of the funnel assembly and distal longitudinal movement of the radially tapered surface of the pin lift relative to the loading pins engages the loading pins and moves the loading pins radially away from the receptacle axis. Alternatively or in addition, the loading pins may comprise (a) a loading pin shaft that extends through an aperture in the receptacle wall and into the receptacle lumen and (b) an enlarged portion positioned on a side of the receptacle wall opposite the receptacle lumen and having a width that is greater than a width of the aperture, such that distal longitudinal movement of the pin lift relative to the loading pins causes the tapered surface of the pin lift to engage the enlarged portions of the loading pins and move the loading pins radially away from the receptacle axis. For this purpose, the pin lift may comprise, for example, a plurality of tapered projections each pair forming a slot therebetween which is configured to receive the loading pin shafts.

In various embodiments, which may be used in conjunction with any of the preceding aspects and embodiments, the funnel assembly may further comprise a clamp for positioning a delivery sheath of a catheter in a position such that the delivery sheath is positioned to receive the scaffold from the loading lumen.

In some aspects, the disclosure provides a loading system that comprises (a) a loading assembly in accordance with any of the above aspects and embodiments, and (b) a catheter that comprises: (i) an outer sheath comprising an outer sheath lumen and having a proximal outer sheath end and a distal outer sheath end and (ii) an inner member having an inner member proximal end and an inner member distal end and comprising an elongate shaft and an enlarged diameter portion near the inner member distal end, at least a portion of the elongate inner member being disposed within the outer sheath.

In some embodiments, the outer sheath and the inner member of the catheter are positioned relative to the tapered funnel structure such that the distal end of the outer sheath lumen is in communication with the loading lumen and such that the elongate inner member extends beyond the distal end of the outer sheath and at least partially though the tapered region of the loading lumen.

In some embodiments, proximal longitudinal movement of the loading aid assembly relative to the funnel assembly proceeds to a point where the loading pins reach a stop, resulting in a reduction in diameter of at least a proximal portion of the scaffold and in the scaffold being disposed around the enlarged diameter portion of the inner elongate member. In certain instances, the loading system may include a handle that independently proximally retracts the inner elongate member and outer sheath. In certain instances, removal of the loading pin shafts from the slots and further proximal longitudinal movement of the loading aid assembly beyond the point where the loading pins reach a stop, may cause compression of the tapered funnel structure such that the slots close, such that the inner diameter of the tapered region is reduced, and such that proximal movement of the inner elongate member causes the enlarged diameter portion of the inner elongate member to engage the scaffold and draw the scaffold into outer sheath. For example, an inner luminal surface of the receptacle wall may be tapered for this purpose, such that the slots close and the diameter of the tapered region is reduced upon the further proximal longitudinal movement of the loading aid assembly.

In other aspects, the disclosure provides a catheter that comprises: (a) an outer sheath comprising an outer sheath lumen and having a proximal outer sheath end and a distal outer sheath end and (b) an inner member having an inner member proximal end and an inner member distal end and comprising an elongate shaft and an enlarged diameter portion near the inner member distal end that comprises a hub and a plurality of radial projections extending from the hub, the inner member being disposable within the outer sheath.

In some embodiments, the inner member may further comprise a braid reinforced tube, a wound wire coil and a tapered distal tip.

Alternatively or in addition, the outer sheath may comprises a proximal shaft and an outer distal capsule.

In other aspects, the disclosure provides a method of crimping a tubular self-expanding scaffold using the loading assembly in accordance with any of the above aspects and embodiments, the method comprising: (a) joining the loading aid assembly with the funnel assembly, such that the distal end of the tapered funnel structure is positioned within the receptacle lumen, such that the scaffold is at least partially positioned in the loading lumen, such that at least a portion of the tapered funnel structure wall is positioned between the outer abluminal surface of the stent and the inner luminal surface of the receptacle wall, and such that the loading pins are positioned within the longitudinal slots of the tapered funnel structure; and (b) generating longitudinal movement of the loading aid assembly in a proximal direction relative to the funnel assembly such that the loading pins undergo proximal longitudinal movement within the slots of the tapered funnel structure and such that at least the proximal scaffold end undergoes proximal longitudinal movement into the tapered region, thereby reducing at least a portion of the diameter of the scaffold.

In certain embodiments, the method further comprises removing the loading pin shafts from the scaffold wall and the slots. In certain of these embodiments, the method additionally comprises generating further longitudinal movement of the loading aid assembly in a proximal direction relative to the funnel assembly, wherein an inner luminal surface of the receptacle wall is tapered such that the receptacle compresses and closes the slots of the tapered funnel structure as a result of the further longitudinal movement.

In various embodiments, which may be used in conjunction with any of the preceding aspects and embodiments, the funnel assembly may be attached to a delivery sheath of a catheter such that the delivery sheath is positioned to receive the scaffold from the loading lumen.

In various embodiments, which may be used in conjunction with any of the preceding aspects and embodiments, (a) the funnel assembly may be attached to a catheter that comprises (i) an outer sheath comprising an outer sheath lumen and having a proximal outer sheath end and a distal outer sheath end and (ii) an inner member having an inner member proximal end and an inner member distal end and comprising an elongate shaft and an enlarged diameter portion near the inner member distal end, at least a portion of the elongate inner member being disposed within the outer sheath, (b) the outer sheath and the inner member may be positioned relative to the tapered funnel structure such that the distal end of the outer sheath lumen is in communication with the loading lumen and such that the elongate inner member extends beyond the distal end of the outer sheath and at least partially though the tapered region of the loading lumen, and (c) the longitudinal movement of the loading aid assembly in a proximal direction relative to the funnel assembly may cause the scaffold to be disposed around the enlarged diameter portion of the inner elongate member and reduce at least a portion of the diameter of the scaffold that is disposed around the inner elongate member into engagement with the enlarged diameter portion of the inner elongate member. In such embodiments, the method may further comprise proximally moving the inner elongate member relative to the outer sheath, thereby drawing the scaffold into the outer sheath lumen.

The above and other aspects and embodiments and of the present disclosure will become immediately apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the detailed description and claims to follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic cutaway views in line format and shaded format, respectively, of a delivery system in accordance with the present disclosure at a first stage in a scaffold loading process.

FIG. 1C is a schematic illustration of a scaffold.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic cutaway views in line format and shaded format, respectively, of a delivery system in accordance with the present disclosure at a second stage in a scaffold loading process.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic cutaway views in line format and shaded format, respectively, of a delivery system in accordance with the present disclosure at a third stage in a scaffold loading process.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic cutaway views in line format and shaded format, respectively, of a delivery system in accordance with the present disclosure at a fourth stage in a scaffold loading process.

FIG. 5 is a schematic cutaway view of a loading aid assembly in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 6A is a schematic side view of a pin assembly in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 6B is a schematic perspective view of one half of an inner collar in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 6C is a schematic perspective view of one half of an outer housing in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a funnel assembly in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 8A is a schematic cutaway perspective view a loading system in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 8B is a schematic perspective view of one half of pin lift in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 8C is a schematic perspective view of one quarter of a tapered funnel structure in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 9A is a schematic perspective view illustrating a catheter in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 9B is a schematic perspective view illustrating a scaffold lock in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a loading system in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a schematic cutaway view of a delivery catheter handle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The devices, assemblies and systems described herein are useful for loading, delivery and deployment of self-expanding scaffolds into bodily lumens.

The implantable scaffolds loaded and delivered by the delivery systems of the present disclosure are generally tubular devices, which are self-expanding devices in various embodiments. As used herein, “device,” “scaffold,” “stent” and “implant” may be used synonymously. Also as used herein, “self-expanding” is intended to include devices that are crimped to a reduced delivery configuration for delivery into the body, and thereafter tend to expand to a larger suitable configuration once released from the delivery configuration. As used herein “strands” and “filaments” may be used interchangeably and include single fiber strands and filaments (also referred to as monofilaments) and multi-fiber strands and filaments. As used herein a “sheath,” “tube,” “hollow member,” “catheter” and “tubular member” may be used synonymously.

Scaffolds for use in conjunction with the present disclosure are typically tubular devices which may be of various sizes, including a variety of diameters and lengths, and which may be used for a variety of applications. Various scaffold embodiments of the present disclosure are self-expanding in that they are manufactured at a first diameter, subsequently reduced or “crimped” to a second reduced diameter for placement within a delivery catheter, and self-expand towards the first diameter when extruded from the delivery catheter at an implantation site. Scaffolds for use in the present disclosure may be formed from a variety of polymeric and non-polymeric materials. Scaffolds for use in the present disclosure may be biodegradable or non-biodegradable, or be a combination of both biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials. In various embodiments, the implantable scaffolds may comprise a generally tubular structure comprising scaffolding material. Scaffolds for use in the present disclosure may be fiber-based or non-fiber-based. In various embodiments, scaffolds for use in the present disclosure are braided scaffolds.

In one aspect the present disclosure describes loading systems that include (a) a delivery catheter, (b) a loading assembly that includes (i) a funnel assembly that includes a tapered funnel structure, and optionally, a pin lift, a clamp and/or a body portion and (ii) a loading aid assembly that includes a receptacle, a plurality of loading pins and, optionally, a self-expanding scaffold. The loading aid assembly holds the self-expanding scaffold within the receptacle via the loading pins and is used to longitudinally guide the self-expanding scaffold into the tapered funnel structure of the funnel assembly. The funnel assembly is typically attached to the distal end of the delivery catheter. A clamp, such as a roller clamp, can be used to secure the funnel assembly to the delivery catheter, the tapered funnel structure within the funnel assembly provides a funnel shape for crimping the scaffold. Where provided, the pin lift retracts the loading pins from the scaffold, and the main body can be used to maintain the clamp, tapered funnel and pin lift in a single structure.

With reference now to FIGS. 1A-1C, a partial schematic cutaway view of loading system in accordance with the present disclosure is shown. The loading system includes (a) a catheter 140, (a) a funnel assembly that includes a tapered funnel structure 110 and a pin lift 130 (as well as a body portion and a roller clamp as discussed further below) and (c) a loading aid assembly 120 that includes a receptacle 122, a cylindrical scaffold 200 and a plurality of loading pin assemblies 124 a.

The tapered funnel structure 110 has a distal end 110 d and a proximal end (not shown) and includes (i) a plurality of longitudinal slots 110 s formed therein (the face of slot 110 s is identified in FIGS. 1A and 1B), the slots 110 s having an open distal end 110 sd and (ii) a loading lumen 110 l having a loading axis (coincident with axis 122 a), a lumen distal end 110 ld, a lumen proximal end 110 lp and at least one tapered region 110 t having a tapered region distal end (in this case, corresponding to the distal end 110 ld of the loading lumen 110 l) with a first diameter and having a tapered region proximal end 110 tp with a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter.

The loading aid assembly 120 comprises the following: (i) a receptacle 122 having a receptacle axis 122 a and having a receptacle wall 122 w and a receptacle lumen 1221 having an open proximal end and, (ii) a cylindrical scaffold 200 comprising (see FIG. 1C) a scaffold wall 200 w and having a scaffold axis 200 a, a proximal scaffold end 200 p, a distal scaffold end 200 d, an inner luminal surface 200 i and an outer abluminal surface 200 o, (iii) a plurality (four shown) of loading pin assemblies 124 a comprising enlarged loading pin caps 124 e and pin shafts 124 p that extend from the receptacle wall, into the receptacle lumen 1221 and through the scaffold wall 200 w (e.g., through a diamond-shaped aperture in a braided stent or through a cell of another closed cell stent design, etc.). The loading pin assemblies 124 a hold the scaffold 200 within the receptacle lumen 1221 and in a position such that the scaffold axis 200 a is coaxial with the receptacle axis 122 a. In the embodiment shown, the receptacle 122 is formed from two components: an outer housing 122 h having an outer housing wall 122 hw and an inner collar 122 c having an inner collar wall 122 cw. The loading pin shafts 124 p extend through the inner collar wall 122 cw. The loading pin assemblies 124 a in the embodiment shown are further provided with loading pin springs 124 s, which are disposed between the housing wall 120 aw and the enlarged loading pin heads 124 e, bias the pin shafts 124 p toward the receptacle axis 122 a. Due to the loading pin springs 124 s, the loading pin heads 124 e are biased against the collar wall 122 cw.

An additional view of the loading aid assembly 120 is provided in FIG. 5, which shows the outer housing 122 h, inner collar 122 c, loading pin assemblies 124 a and scaffold 200. In some cases, a loading aid assembly 120 with a preloaded scaffold 200 of this type may be pre-constructed, packaged and sterilized for use by a health care professional.

Further detail of a loading pin assembly 124 a is provided in FIG. 6A, which shows the pin shaft 124 p, enlarged loading pin cap 124 e and loading pin spring 124 s of the loading pin assembly 124 a. Further detail of one half of the inner collar 122 c is shown in the perspective view in FIG. 6B. Further detail of one half of the outer housing 122 h is shown in the perspective view in FIG. 6C.

Further detail of the catheter 140 provided in FIGS. 1A and 1B is provided in FIG. 9A, which shows an outer sheath 144 that includes a proximal shaft 144 p and an outer distal capsule 144 d. Thus, in the embodiment shown, the outer sheath 144 is a composite design consisting of outer distal capsule 144 d for scaffold encapsulation and a smaller diameter outer proximal shaft 144 p. The outer distal capsule 144 d may include a liner such as a fluoropolymer (e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene) liner for lubricity and a braid reinforced tube for radial strength. The outer proximal shaft 144 p may include a braid reinforced tube and a tightly wound wire coil for compression resistance. Such a composite design provides tensile and compression resistance while maintaining flexibility. The outer proximal shaft 144 p may further be designed to enable contrast injection through an introducer sheath while the delivery system is in place, for example, to allow for anatomical landmarking. The catheter 140 of FIG. 9A also shows an inner member 142 that includes a braid reinforced tube 142 b, tightly wound wire coil 142 c, a tapered distal tip 142 t and a scaffold lock 142 s. The braid reinforced tube 142 b and tightly wound coil 142 c provide compression resistance and tensile strength while maintaining flexibility. An axial wire (not shown) may be incorporated into the wall of the inner member 142 to further increase tensile strength. The distal tip 142 t has an atraumatic nosecone as a tapered distal tip 142 t to facilitate tracking over a guidewire through tight anatomy and to prevent vessel trauma. The scaffold lock 142 s is attached to the inner member 142 near the distal end.

Additional detail of the scaffold lock 142 s is provided in FIG. 9B. The tines 142 st of the scaffold lock 142 s may fit, for example, into diamonds of a braided scaffold (or a cell of another scaffold design) and secure the scaffold during capture and deployment. Multiple scaffold locks may be used. Alternatively or in addition, another scaffold securement feature such as a polymeric pad may be used for scaffold securement.

The pin lift 130 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B includes a plurality of tapered distal projections 130 t. A funnel assembly 115 comprising a body portion 150, clamp (not shown), pin lift 130 and tapered funnel structure 110, along with a catheter (outer proximal shaft 144 p, inner member 142 and tapered distal tip 142 t shown), is shown in perspective view of FIG. 7. As further seen from FIG. 7, the pin lift includes a collar 130 c from which four pairs of tapered projections 130 t extend distally, each pair of tapered projections of 130 t forming a slot 130 s. Also shown in FIG. 7 are the slots 110 s (four total) of the tapered funnel structure 110. The pin lift 130 and tapered funnel structure 110 are supported by the body portion 150.

A further view provided in FIG. 8A shows a delivery system 100 comprising a catheter (outer proximal shaft 144 p, outer distal capsule 144 d, inner member 142 and tapered distal tip 142 t numbered), a funnel assembly 115 (including a body portion 150 with roller clamp 152 for holding the catheter in place, a pin lift 130, and a tapered funnel structure 110), and loading aid assembly 120 (including outer housing 122 h, inner collar 122 c, loading pin assemblies 124 a and scaffold) (scaffold not shown).

Further detail of one half of the pin lift 130 (tapered projections 130 t and slot 130 s also numbered) is provided in the perspective view in FIG. 8B. Further detail of one quarter of the tapered funnel structure 110 (distal end 110 d and tapered region 110 t also numbered) is provided in the perspective view in FIG. 8C.

Turning back to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the loading aid assembly 120 is configured to be placed over the tapered funnel structure 110 of the funnel assembly 115 such that the scaffold 200 is guided into the distal end 110 ld of the loading lumen 110 l. During this process, the loading aid assembly 120 receives the distal end 110 d of the tapered funnel structure 110 within the receptacle lumen 1221 via the lumen opening at the proximal receptacle end 122 p, such that longitudinal movement of the loading aid assembly 120 in a proximal direction relative to the funnel assembly results in proximal longitudinal movement of the loading pin shafts 124 p into the slots 110 s of the tapered funnel structure 110 and in proximal longitudinal movement of the proximal end 200 p of the scaffold 200 into the loading lumen 110 l.

Turning now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, further longitudinal movement of the loading aid assembly 120 in a proximal direction relative to the funnel assembly 115 results in further proximal longitudinal movement of the loading pin shafts 124 p into the slots 110 s of the tapered funnel structure 110 and further proximal longitudinal movement of the scaffold 200 into the loading lumen 110 l up to a point where the loading pin shafts 124 p engage stops 110 p associated with the slots 110 s of the tapered funnel structure 110, thereby stopping the proximal progress of the loading aid assembly 120 relative to the funnel assembly 115. At this point, the proximal end 200 p of the scaffold 200 has been crimped to a diameter almost equivalent to the inner diameter of the outer distal capsule 144 d.

In a next step, and with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the pin lift 130 is pushed distally forward into a gap 122 g between the inner collar 122 c and outer housing 122 h of the loading aid assembly 120. As the pin lift 130 is pushed distally forward, the tapered projections 130 t advance on either side of the loading pin shafts 124 p, such that the loading pin shafts 124 p are positioned in the slots 130 s between each pair of projections 130 t. As seen in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the enlarged loading pin heads 124 e are beveled, allowing the tapered projections 130 t to wedge under the enlarged loading pin heads 124 e, overcoming the radially inward forces exerted by the pin springs 124 s and moving the loading pin shafts 124 p radially outward from the center axis 100 a of the assembly. Radially outward movement of the loading pin shafts 124 p leads to disengagement of the loading pin shafts 124 p from the scaffold 200 and removal of the loading pin shafts 124 p from the longitudinal slots 110 s of the tapered funnel structure 110. A snap feature may be used to lock the collar 130 c of the pin lift 130 to the loading aid assembly 120 once the pin lift 130 is distally advanced to a distal-most position relative to the loading aid assembly 120.

With reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, once the loading pin shafts 124 p have been removed from the longitudinal slots 110 s of the tapered funnel structure 110 by the pin lift 130, the loading aid assembly 120 may undergo further longitudinal movement in a proximal direction relative to the funnel assembly 115. Because the inner luminal surface of the inner collar 122 c of the loading aid assembly 120 is provided with a taper in the particular embodiment shown, such further longitudinal movement acts to close the pin slots 110 s and reduces the inner diameter of the tapered funnel structure 110, including the inner diameter of the tapered region 110 t of the loading lumen 110 l therein, which further reduces the inner diameter of at least the proximal end 200 p of the scaffold 200. A perspective view of the system at this point is provided in FIG. 10.

The inner member 142 may then be retracted relative to the outer sheath 144. During retraction, the scaffold lock 142 s engages the proximal end of the scaffold 200 p and draws the remainder of the scaffold 200 through the tapered region 110 t of the loading lumen 110 l and into the outer distal capsule 144 d of the delivery catheter.

With reference now to FIG. 11, a delivery catheter handle 300 such as the Versatility™ universal handle available by Vention Medical Inc., South Plainfield, N.J., USA, may be used to translate the two coaxial shafts 142,144 of the catheter. The handle shown has two thumbwheels 302,304, which are attached to each of the shafts 142,144. A ball screw translates rotational motion to linear motion to move each of the shafts 142,144. Also shown is a flush port 312 for flushing the outer sheath 144 and a second flush port 314 for flushing the inner guidewire lumen of the inner member 142.

Once loaded, the outer sheath 144 constrains the scaffold (in the outer distal capsule 144 d) for delivery and expansion into the vessel. The inner member 142 may provide a lumen by which the delivery catheter 140 tracks over a guidewire (not shown). The outer sheath 144 facilitates a fixed distance from the operator to the delivery site and the system allows for controlled movement of the inner 142 and outer 144 components to accurately deploy the scaffold 200. Once the delivery catheter 140 is tracked over a guidewire to the intended implant location, deployment may be achieved by rotating the proximal thumbwheel 302 which retracts the outer sheath 144, allowing the scaffold to expand into the intended body lumen. The scaffold lock feature 142 s secures the scaffold's 200 proximal end 200 p within the delivery catheter, such that recapture or repositioning is possible up to a certain point in deployment if the operator is not satisfied with the initial deployment location.

Although various embodiments are specifically illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated that modifications and variations of the present disclosure are covered by the above teachings and are within the purview of the appended claims without departing from the spirit and intended scope of the disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A loading assembly comprising: (a) a funnel assembly comprising a tapered funnel structure having a distal end and a proximal end and comprising (i) a loading lumen having a loading axis, an open distal end, an open proximal end, and at least one tapered region having a distal end with a first diameter and a proximal end with a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter and (ii) a slotted wall surrounding the loading lumen that has a plurality of longitudinal slots formed therein, the slots having an open distal end; and (b) a loading aid assembly comprising (i) a receptacle comprising a receptacle wall, a receptacle lumen having a least one open receptacle lumen end and a receptacle axis, (ii) a scaffold comprising a scaffold wall and having a scaffold axis, a proximal scaffold end, a distal scaffold end, an inner luminal surface and an outer abluminal surface, (iii) a plurality of loading pins comprising loading pin shafts that extend from the receptacle wall, into the receptacle lumen and through the scaffold wall, said pins holding said scaffold within the receptacle lumen in a position wherein the scaffold axis is coaxial with the receptacle axis, wherein the loading aid assembly is configured to receive the distal end of the tapered funnel structure within the receptacle lumen via the open receptacle lumen end, such that the scaffold is at least partially positioned in the loading lumen, such that at least a portion of the tapered funnel structure wall is positioned between the outer abluminal surface of the stent and the inner luminal surface of the receptacle wall, such that the loading pins are positioned within the longitudinal slots of the tapered funnel structure, and such that longitudinal movement of the loading aid assembly in a proximal direction relative to the funnel assembly results in proximal longitudinal movement of the loading pins within the slots of the tapered funnel structure and proximal longitudinal movement of at least the proximal scaffold end into the tapered region reducing at least a portion of the diameter of the scaffold.
 2. The loading assembly of claim 1, wherein loading pins comprises a loading pin shaft that extends through an aperture in the receptacle wall and into the receptacle lumen and an enlarged portion positioned on a side of the receptacle wall opposite the receptacle lumen, the enlarged portion having a width that is greater than a width of the aperture.
 3. The loading assembly of claim 1, wherein the loading aid assembly further comprises springs that bias the loading pins toward the receptacle axis.
 4. The loading assembly of claim 1, wherein the receptacle comprises first and second walls separated by a gap and wherein the enlarged portions of the pins are positioned in the gap between the walls.
 5. The loading assembly of claim 1, comprising a stop that limits the proximal longitudinal movement of the loading pin shafts within the slots of the tapered funnel structure.
 6. The loading assembly of claim 5, wherein removal of the loading pin shafts from the scaffold wall and the slots allows additional longitudinal movement of the loading aid assembly in a proximal direction relative to the funnel assembly, and wherein the receptacle is configured to compress and close the slots of the tapered funnel structure upon said additional longitudinal movement.
 7. The loading assembly of claim 6, comprising a pin lift having a radially tapered surface, such that relative longitudinal movement between the radially tapered surface of the pin lift and the loading pins engages the loading pins and moves the loading pins radially away from the receptacle axis.
 8. The loading assembly of claim 7, wherein the pin lift is part of the funnel assembly and wherein distal longitudinal movement of the radially tapered surface of the pin lift relative to the loading pins engages the loading pins and moves the loading pins radially away from the receptacle axis.
 9. The loading assembly of claim 7, wherein the loading pins comprise a loading pin shaft that extends through an aperture in the receptacle wall and into the receptacle lumen and an enlarged portion positioned on a side of the receptacle wall opposite the receptacle lumen and having a width that is greater than a width of the aperture, and wherein the distal longitudinal movement of the pin lift relative to the loading pins causes the tapered surface of the pin lift to engage the enlarged portions of the loading pins and move the loading pins radially away from the receptacle axis.
 10. The loading assembly of claim 9, wherein the pin lift comprises a plurality of tapered projections each pair forming a slot therebetween which is configured to receive the loading pin shafts.
 11. The loading assembly of claim 8, wherein the receptacle comprises first and second walls separated by a gap and wherein the pin lift and the receptacle are configured such that the receptacle receives the distal end of the pin lift within the gap.
 12. The loading assembly of claim 1, wherein the funnel assembly further comprises a clamp for positioning a delivery sheath of a catheter in a position such that the delivery sheath is positioned to receive the scaffold from the loading lumen.
 13. A loading system comprising the loading assembly of claim 1 and a catheter that comprises: (a) an outer sheath comprising an outer sheath lumen and having a proximal outer sheath end and a distal outer sheath end and (b) an inner member having an inner member proximal end and an inner member distal end and comprising an elongate shaft and an enlarged diameter portion near the inner member distal end, at least a portion of said elongate inner member being disposed within the outer sheath.
 14. The loading system of claim 13, wherein the outer sheath and the inner member are positioned relative to the tapered funnel structure such that the distal end of the outer sheath lumen is in communication with the loading lumen and such that the elongate inner member extends beyond the distal end of the outer sheath and at least partially though the tapered region of the loading lumen.
 15. The loading system of claim 14, wherein proximal longitudinal movement of the loading aid assembly relative to the funnel assembly to a point where the loading pins reach a stop results a reduction in diameter of at least a proximal portion of the scaffold and results in the scaffold being disposed around the enlarged diameter portion of the inner elongate member.
 16. The loading system of claim 15, wherein removal of the loading pin shafts from the slots and further proximal longitudinal movement of the loading aid assembly beyond the point where the loading pins reach a stop causes compression of the tapered funnel structure such that the slots close, such that the inner diameter of the tapered region is reduced, and such that proximal movement of the inner elongate member causes the enlarged diameter portion of the inner elongate member to engage the scaffold and draw the scaffold into outer sheath.
 17. The loading system of claim 16, wherein an inner luminal surface of the receptacle wall is tapered such that the slots close and the diameter of the tapered region is reduced upon said further proximal longitudinal movement of the loading aid assembly.
 18. The loading system of claim 16 comprising a handle that independently proximally retracts the inner elongate member and outer sheath.
 19. A catheter that comprises: (a) an outer sheath comprising an outer sheath lumen and having a proximal outer sheath end and a distal outer sheath end and (b) an inner member having an inner member proximal end and an inner member distal end and comprising an elongate shaft and an enlarged diameter portion near the inner member distal end that comprises a hub and a plurality of radial projections extending from the hub, said inner member being disposable within the outer sheath.
 20. The catheter of claim 19, wherein the inner member further comprises a braid reinforced tube, a wound wire coil and a tapered distal tip.
 21. The catheter of claim 19, wherein the outer sheath comprises a proximal shaft and an outer distal capsule.
 22. A method of crimping a tubular self-expanding scaffold using the loading assembly of claim 1, the method comprising: joining said loading aid assembly with said funnel assembly such that the distal end of the tapered funnel structure is positioned within the receptacle lumen, such that the scaffold is at least partially positioned in the loading lumen, such that at least a portion of the tapered funnel structure wall is positioned between the outer abluminal surface of the stent and the inner luminal surface of the receptacle wall, and such that the loading pins are positioned within the longitudinal slots of the tapered funnel structure; and generating longitudinal movement of the loading aid assembly in a proximal direction relative to the funnel assembly such that the loading pins undergo proximal longitudinal movement within the slots of the tapered funnel structure and such that at least the proximal scaffold end undergoes proximal longitudinal movement into the tapered region, thereby reducing at least a portion of the diameter of the scaffold.
 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising removing the loading pin shafts from the scaffold wall and the slots.
 24. The method of claim 23, further comprising generating further longitudinal movement of the loading aid assembly in a proximal direction relative to the funnel assembly and wherein an inner luminal surface of the receptacle wall is tapered such that the receptacle compresses and closes the slots of the tapered funnel structure as a result of the further longitudinal movement.
 25. The method of claim 22, wherein the funnel assembly is attached to a delivery sheath of a catheter such that the delivery sheath is positioned to receive the scaffold from the loading lumen.
 26. The method of claim 22, wherein the funnel assembly is attached to a catheter that comprises (a) an outer sheath comprising an outer sheath lumen and having a proximal outer sheath end and a distal outer sheath end and (b) an inner member having an inner member proximal end and an inner member distal end and comprising an elongate shaft and an enlarged diameter portion near the inner member distal end, at least a portion of said elongate inner member being disposed within the outer sheath, wherein the outer sheath and the inner member are positioned relative to the tapered funnel structure such that the distal end of the outer sheath lumen is in communication with the loading lumen and such that the elongate inner member extends beyond the distal end of the outer sheath and at least partially though the tapered region of the loading lumen, and wherein the longitudinal movement of the loading aid assembly in a proximal direction relative to the funnel assembly causes the scaffold to be disposed around the enlarged diameter portion of the inner elongate member and reduces at least a portion of the diameter of the scaffold that is disposed around the enlarged diameter portion of the inner elongate member into engagement with the enlarged diameter portion of the inner elongate member.
 27. The method of claim 26, further comprising proximally moving the inner elongate member relative to the outer sheath, thereby drawing the scaffold into the outer sheath lumen. 